CYCLING AND THE ART OF SOUL MAINTENANCE

The first few miles are the worst. Neither my body nor my mind want to be here. My muscles are stiff from sitting all day and my back is sore from tying my shoes this morning, or was it the sneeze at lunch? Either way, my mind wants to join my body in protest of this bike ride. I keep thinking about all the things I need to be working on and reliving the mistakes of the day. How should I rule on today’s suppression motion? Should I reread Crawford in preparation for next week’s trial? Why did I get so mad at my daughter before work? Can I get the grass cut before it gets dark tonight? There is no part of me that is looking forward to the next two hours.

Then something amazing happens…

Around mile four or five, I realize that my legs are feeling a little better. My pace starts to quicken. The tension in my shoulders I wasn’t even aware was there starts to ease. I feel freer – at least physically. My mind is still focused on the burdens of everyday life. But my body is leading the way to a more healthy and balanced disposition.

It’s usually around mile ten that my mind lets go. It’s not like a switch is flipped. I just suddenly realize that all the pressing matters that were at the forefront of my mind moments ago have disappeared. Now I’m focused on the task before me. “A climb is coming up. Do I need to shift to the small chain ring? Am I keeping my watts up? I should increase my speed on the South Knoxville flats today. Need to engage my core more. Pedal harder!”

Now I’m in the zone. The next hour will pass with my mind and body in synch and focused on each specific moment. I’m no longer thinking about all the things that need to be done or feelings of regret and shame for mistakes I’ve made throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean my mind is shut off. The most transforming part of the ride is what happens inside my soul. I do remember the harsh word I had with my daughter this morning. But rather than berating myself, I’m able to see that I reacted to her the way I did because I’m really sad that she’ll be leaving soon. My frustration is replaced with a tenderness and a realization that I need to apologize when I get home and tell her I’m going to miss her. I think about how frustrated I became in court over the many cases that were reset without any progress. Instead of becoming angrier, I’m able to see that the attorneys are overwhelmed and need some guidance from the court on how to handle a heavy caseload.

I don’t focus on specific solutions. My frontal lobes are still focused on the task at hand. “Pothole! Dodge left!” But I find that God uses this stage of my rides to change my perspective on my circumstances rather than changing those circumstances. Now I’m seeing life from 30,000 feet. This view is very enlightening. I become smaller in my own eyes and the blessings of God become bigger. I now see my frustrations as opportunities to make things work better and to show kindness to others. This leads me to offer up short prayers for the people I have encountered during the day instead of feeling frustration and anger.

Eventually, my legs start to communicate a new message to my mind, “We’re tired. Time to wrap it up!” Professional cyclist Jens Voigt would famously say, “Shut up legs!” when this would happen to him. I am not Jens nor am I a professional cyclist. I listen to my legs.

When my ride does end, all the problems that I left behind during my ride are right there waiting for me. However, I am a different person after the ride. I’m calmer. I’m more patient. I’m kinder. I’m not overcome by my emotions. I’m at peace. Now I can handle the tasks before me as the best version of me rather than the worn-out, stressed-out version of me.

This is all because I engaged in an activity that forced me out of my temporary unhealthy physical, mental, and spiritual state. Before the ride, I physically felt like stretching out on a couch and resting. Before the ride, my mind wanted to continue to wrestle with and relive the challenges of the day. Before the ride, my soul was anxious and self-centered. After the ride, my body is stronger, my mind is clearer, and my soul is at peace. That’s why I love cycling.

It’s important that each of us discover something to break us out of the stress traps that we build up over the day. For me it’s a bike ride. For you, maybe it’s running, or walking, or gardening, or watching the sunset with a glass of wine. Whatever you choose, you will want to find peace for your body, mind, and soul. And don’t forget the third part. It’s the one that lasts forever.

By: Emily Heird Vantage View Coaching